MCAS Soon To Be Replaced In New Bedford

The days for MCAS testing in New Bedford schools are numbered after Monday night's School Committee meeting.

The committee approved Supt. Pia Durkin's request to replace MCAS testing with the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers testing (PARCC). This type of standardized testing claims to require more problem solving skills than MCAS.

Durkin says changes will be made so these skills can be taught and students can succeed...

This will be the second year of PARCC testing in New Bedford. It will be implemented in all schools except Hayden McFadden and Parker Schools.

Students in 10th grade will still take the MCAS as part of the state's graduation requirements.

Six of the seven school committee members approved the request.

The sole dissenter was Josh Amaral, citing recent problems with the test throughout the state.